Mr. Chairman, Thank you for holding this hearing today on such a pressing issue. As servicemembers return from combat, it becomes increasingly important to provide them with the mental health services they need to readjust to society. While we take care of our veterans, we must not forget about their families. Along with our servicemen and women, families are the backbone of the U.S. military. They sacrifice for this country when a loved one is called to active duty. Too often marriages and families are under great strain when a servicemember is on deployment. That risk continues even when he or she returns from active duty. It is important that spouses and families are educated on how to help their veteran cope with a mental illness such as PTSD. We must not overlook the needs and concerns families are facing.

I look forward to working with the Committee and VSOs, the VA, and others to determine how to best meet the needs of veterans and family members.